Method and apparatus for determining animal relationships

ABSTRACT

A system and method of determining a relationship between a first animal ( 100 ) and a second animal ( 110 ). The system includes a detection means ( 130 ) for detecting if the first animal ( 100 ) is within a defined proximity ( 120 ) of the second animal ( 110 ). The system also includes a means to determine, in response to at least one detection, the relationship between the first animal ( 100 ) and the second animal ( 110 ).

CROSS REFERENCE OF APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/908,469, filed Apr. 10, 2008, which in turn claims thebenefit of International Application No. PCT/AU2006/000358, filed onMar. 17, 2006, which in turn claims priority to Australian ApplicationNo. 2005901309, filed on Mar. 17, 2005, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to determining animalrelationships.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (orinformation derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not,and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form ofsuggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it)or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the fieldof endeavour to which this specification relates.

In livestock industries, it is difficult to accurately identify arespective dam and sire for an offspring cost effectively. Furthermore,it is extremely difficult to accurately determine the number of litterfrom a particular relationship cost effectively and/or accurately.

One method is to use different coloured “raddles” to identify the sirethat mounted a dam. However this method only identifies the first sirethat mounted the dam. If the first dam does not successfully conceive inthe first oestrus, then a subsequent successful sire may not bedetermined.

An alternative method is to use a single sire to mate with a group ofselected dams. However, this method severely limits the use of sires andalso suffers from financial implications in terms of capital investmentin infrastructure required to configure paddocks to suit the sire versusdam ratio.

A further method includes using DNA technology to determine the sire anddam for 25 a respective offspring. However, the cost of testing animalson an ongoing basis is somewhat prohibitive, wherein each test can costapproximately at least $20 (AUS) depending on the accuracy required.Furthermore, tagging of the animals is still required in this situationfor identification, adding further cost and labour to this method.

One manual method for determining a relationship between a dam and anoffspring is to bring dams and offspring into small pens or areas, andhave an individual watch the dams and offspring over a period of time tosee which progeny stays with which dam. There are several variations tothis method, though the basic activity remains consistent. When theoffspring approaches a likely mother, the two animals are gathered andrecorded. However, this manual method is time, labour and capitalintensive. Furthermore, this method only results in determining the dam,which may not conclusively result in determining the all the offspringin the litter in all situations. This method also suffers from highlevels of handling of animals, which can lead to high error rates indetermining mothers to progeny. Additionally, this method also suffersfrom accurately determining twin progenies, as a first twin may take tothe mother relatively quickly compared to a second twin.

This identifies a need for an accurate and cost effective method andapparatus which seeks to address, or at least ameliorate problemsinherent to the above-disclosed methods and systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of determining one or morerelationships between animals from a group of animals, each animal inthe group having a communication device to identify the respectiveanimal, wherein the method includes:

-   -   generating event data indicative of a plurality of detected        events that animals are within a defined proximity of each other        over a period of time, wherein each detected event indicates        that the communication devices of respective animals were within        the defined proximity; and    -   analysing, using the event data, a distribution of frequencies        of the detected events for said animals to thereby determine if        a relationship exists between said animals.

The defined proximity includes at least one of:

a spatial proximity at a point in time; and,

a temporal proximity at a location.

According to another aspect the method includes determining at least oneof:

a genetic relationship between the animals;

a sexual relationship between the animals; and

a social relationship between the animals.

The method further includes analysing the event data which is indicativeof communication between the communication units that were within thedefined proximity.

Each communication unit includes a communication unit identity and eachanimal has an animal identity, the event data being indicative of thecommunication unit identity of each communication unit which was withinthe defined proximity, wherein the method includes:

-   -   recording association data indicative of an association between        the animal identity and the communication identity of each        animal in the group;    -   determining, using the event data and the association data, the        identities of the detected animals; and    -   displaying the identities of the animals of the relationship.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes:

-   -   recording the event data being indicative of a tilt of one of        the communication units; and    -   using the event data indicative of the tilt to determine a        sexual relationship for the animals.

The step of analysing the frequency of events for the plurality ofanimal combinations includes comparing a distribution of the frequencyof events between combinations of animals, wherein a relatively greaterfrequency of events for a particular animal combination compared toanother animal combination indicates the relationship for the particularanimal combination.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the method includes:

-   -   determining if two animal combinations which share a common        animal between the two animal combination have a relatively        greater distribution of events than other animal combinations,        wherein the two animal combinations have a substantially equal        distribution of events; and    -   identifying that the animals of the two animal combinations are        related.

According to a further aspect, the method includes configuring thecommunication units to communicate during a selected period of time suchthat events are detected during the selected period of time.

The invention is also directed to a system for determining one or morerelationships between animals from a group of animals. The systemincludes:

-   -   a detection system for generating event data indicative of a        plurality of detected events that animals are within a defined        proximity of each other over a period of time, the detection        system including a plurality of communication units, each        communication unit being associated with one of the animals in        the group, wherein each detected event indicates that        communication devices of respective animals were within the        defined proximity; and    -   an analysis means for analysing, using the event data, a        distribution of frequencies of the detected events for said        animals to thereby determine if a relationship exists for said        animals.

The proximity includes at least one of:

a spatial proximity at a point in time; and,

a temporal proximity at a location.

The analysis means is configured to determine at least one of:

a genetic relationship between said animals.

a sexual relationship between said animals; and

a social relationship between said animals.

According to another aspect of the invention, each communication unitincludes a communication unit identity and each animal has an animalidentity, the event data being indicative the communication unitidentity of each communication unit which was within the definedproximity, wherein the system includes:

-   -   a record of association data indicative of an association        between the animal identity and the communication identity of        each animal in the group;    -   the analysis means configured to determine, using the event data        and the record of association data, the identities of the        detected animals; and    -   a display means to display the identities of the animals of the        relationship.

According to another aspect of the invention the system includes:

-   -   at least one of the communication units including a tilt sensor,        wherein the event data is indicative of a tilting event.

The analysis means is configured to use the event data indicative of thetilting event to determine a sexual relationship for said animals.

The communication units communicate using a wireless communicationmedium.

The detection system is configured to generate the event data beingindicative of a direction and/or orientation of the animals within thedefined proximity, wherein the analysis means is configured fordetermining, using the event data indicative of the direction and/ororientation, at least one of:

a social relationship between the animals;

a sexual relationship between the animals; and

a genetic relationship between the animals.

At least one of the communication units is configured to operate after afirst selected period of time or in response to an activation signal,and wherein at least one of the communication units is configured tooperate during a second selected period of time.

The analysis means is configured to compare a distribution of thefrequency of events between combinations of animals, wherein arelatively greater frequency of events for a particular animalcombination compared to another animal combination indicates therelationship for the particular animal combination.

The analysis means is also configured to:

-   -   determine if two animal combinations which share a common animal        between the two animal combination have a relatively greater        distribution of events than other animal combinations, wherein        the two animal combinations have a substantially equal        distribution of events; and        -   identify that the animals of the two animal combinations are            related.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the present invention should become apparentfrom the following description, which is given by way of example only,of a preferred but nonlimiting embodiment, described in connection withthe accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for determining a relationshipbetween a first animal and a second animal;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example functional block diagram of a processingsystem;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example system including a first and secondcommunication unit and a reading device for determining a relationshipbetween a first animal and a second animal.

FIG. 3B illustrates another example system using a first and secondcommunication unit and a fixed reading device for determining arelationship between a first animal and a second animal.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example of using the reading device to record anidentity of an animal tag attached to an animal.

FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of determining arelationship between a first and a second animal;

FIG. 4B illustrates another flow diagram of an example of a method ofdetermining a relationship between a first and second animal;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another example flow diagram of a method of15 determining a relationship between a first and second animal based onspatial proximity;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another example flow diagram of a method ofdetermining a relationship between a first and second animal based ontemporal proximity;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D illustrate a more detailed example flow diagramof a method of determining a relationship between a first and secondanimal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following modes, given by way of example only, are described inorder to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of apreferred embodiment or embodiments.

In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an exampleembodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like partsthroughout the figures.

An example system for determining a relationship between a first animaland a second animal will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

In particular, the system 1 is configured to detect whether a firstanimal 100 is within a defined proximity 120 of a second animal 110, andin response to at least one detection, the system 1 determines if arelationship exists between the first 100 and second animal 110. Thesystem 1 generally includes a detection system 130 for detecting whetherthe first animal 110 is within a defined proximity 120 of the secondanimal 100.

The detection system 130 can be configured to detect whether the firstanimal 100 is located within a spatial proximity (i.e. located within aparticular distance and/or region at a particular point or points intime) of the second animal. Additionally or alternatively, the detectionsystem 130 can be configured to detect whether the first animal 110 iswithin a temporal proximity (i.e. located at a point or region in spacewithin a period of time) of the second animal 110.

The system 1 also generally includes a processing system 140 to performanalysis on the at least one detection. The detection system 130 maytransfer data to the processing system 140, as indicated by the blockarrow in FIG. 1, for analysis in determining if a relationship existsbetween animals.

An example of a processing system 140 suitable for analysing data todetermine animal relationships is shown in FIG. 2. In particular, theprocessing system 140 generally includes at least a processor 20, amemory 21, and an input device 22, such as a keyboard, an output device23, such as a display, coupled together via a bus 24 as shown. Anoptional external interface may be also provided. The processing system140 is capable of executing computer software.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the processing system 140 maybe any form of processing system suitably programmed to perform themethod, as will be described in more detail below. The processing system140 may therefore be a suitably programmed computer, laptop, palmcomputer, network or web server, or the like. Alternatively, specializedhardware or the like may be used.

In any event, it will be appreciated that suitable computer software inthe form of computer executable software may be used in order to performthe methods described below.

A more detailed example system for determining a relationship between afirst animal and a second animal will now be described with reference toFIG. 3A.

In particular, the detection system 130 includes a first communicationunit 310 attached to or associated with the first animal 100, and asecond communication unit 320 attached to or associated with the secondanimal 110. The system 1 also includes a data system 150 which collectsdata from the detection system 140. The data collected may be directlyindicative of a relationship between particular animals. Alternatively,the data collected may be indirectly indicative of a relationshipbetween particular animals, and thus processing may be required todetermine if a relationship exists between particular animals.

The data system 150 may include a reading device 300 which collects thedata, and a data processing system 140 which performs any requiredanalysis on the data collected to determine any relationship theanimals. The reading device 300 includes a processor operably connectedby a bus to a data store for recording the collected data. The readingdevice 300 can optionally be portable (hand-held) to assist collectionof the data. The reading device 300 and data processing system 140 maybe integral wherein the reading device 300 and can perform processing onthe collected data to determine if relationships exist. However, thereading device 300 may be a physically separate unit to the processingsystem 140, wherein the data is transferred to the processing system 140for analysis.

In this example, the first communication unit 310 transmits a signal 330within a defined spatial proximity 120. The signal 330 is preferablytransferred using a wireless communication medium. The signal 330includes data indicative of at, least an identity of the firstcommunication unit 310. If the second communication unit 320 ispositioned within the defined spatial proximity 120, the secondcommunication unit 320 receives the data and records the received data.It will be appreciated that the second communication unit 320 actssimilar to a data-logger, wherein the data is stored in the secondcommunication unit's memory. The recordal of data by the secondcommunication unit 320 is indicative of the first communication unit 310being positioned within the defined spatial proximity 120 of the secondcommunication unit 320. The recorded data can be indicative of arelationship between two animals 100, 110 and/or can be used todetermine if a relationship exists between the animals 100, 110.

In this example, the spatial proximity 120 is generally defined by thestrength of the signal 330 transmitted by the first communication unit310 and/or the strength of the signal 330 received by the secondcommunication unit 320.

The data recorded in the second communication unit 320 is then collectedby the data system 150. The data may be recorded by the reading device300 and later transferred 360 to the data processing system 140.Alternatively, the data can be directly provided to the data processingsystem 140. The data recorded may by collected by the data system 150using a physical or wireless communication medium.

In this example, the first communication unit 310 generally includes aprocessor operably connected to a transmitter and a unique identity. Thesecond communication unit 320 generally includes a processor operablyconnected to a receiver, a data store, and a unique identity.

Another example system for determining a relationship between a firstanimal and a second animal will now be described with reference to FIG.3B.

In particular, the detection system 130 includes a first communicationunit 370 and a second communication unit 380 which only transmit data,and a fixed reading device 300 for receiving the transmitted data. Thefirst communication unit 370 is attached or associated with the firstanimal 100 and the second communication unit 380 is attached orassociated with the second animal 110. The first and secondcommunication units 370, 380 perform similar functionality, however,each communication unit includes a unique identity. The data transmittedis indicative of the identity of the respective communication unit. Thereading device 300 of the detection system 130 is located in a fixedlocation in an area within which the animal grazes, such as a watertrough, and receives signals 375, 385 from the first 370 or secondcommunication unit 385 if the first communication unit 370 or secondcommunication unit 380 are positioned within a defined region 390 of thereading device 300.

As can be seen in FIG. 3B, the full lines of the first 100 and secondanimals 110 graphically represent a position of the animals 100, 110 ata first point in time, and the dotted lines of the first 100 and secondanimals 110 graphically represent a position of the animals 100, 110 ata second point in time. The dotted line surrounding the reading device300 graphically represents the defined region 390.

The data recorded by the detection system 130 may then be analysed,wherein the recorded data is used to determine whether the first 100 andsecond animals 110 were detected within a temporal proximity 120 of eachother within the defined region 390 of the reading device 300.

In this example, the first communication unit 370 and secondcommunication unit 380 generally include a processor operably connectedto a transmitter and a unique identity.

The detection system 130 can include communication units whichcommunicate using simplex, half-duplex, or fully duplex communication.Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the detection system 130 mayinclude a combination of units which act as receivers, transmitters, ortransceivers. The various combinations of communication units of thedetection system 130 is explained in further detail later in thisdocument.

The system 1 may be used for determining, for example, at least one of:

a genetic relationship between a dam, a sire, and an offspring;

a sexual relationship between a sire and a dam; and

a social relationship between particular animals.

By detecting a number of events when an animal 100 is within aparticular proximity of another animal 110, the system 1 provides anaccurate indication of the relationship between the respective animals100, 110. By detecting events when the first animal 100 and secondanimal 110 are within a defined proximity 120, the detected events canbe recorded and analysed to accurately determine a relationship betweenthe first animal 100 and second animal 110.

These example systems require minimal manual intervention such asmanually watching animals in the paddock over a period of time orexcessive handling of animals. As the detection system 130 detects andrecords events when the first animal 100 is within the defined proximity120 of the second animal 110, substantial manual operation andassociated costs are alleviated. Furthermore, the accuracy of thedetermining if a relationship exists is substantially increased.

An example method for determining a relationship between a first animaland a second animal will now be described with reference to FIG. 4A.

In particular, at step 400, the method includes detecting that a firstanimal 110 is within a defined proximity 120 of a second animal 100. Atstep 410, in response to at least one detection of the first animal 100being within the defined proximity of the second animal 110, the methodincludes determining, using the at least one detection, if arelationship exists between the first animal 100 and the second animal110.

A further example method of determining a relationship between a firstanimal and a second animal will now be described with reference to FIG.4B.

In particular, at step 420, the detection system 130 detects the firstanimal 100 within a proximity 120 of the second animal 110. At step 430,the detection system 130 records data indicative of the first animal 100being within the proximity 120 of the second animal 110. At step 440 and450, the detection system 130 transfers the data to the processingsystem 140. At step 460, the processing system 140 determines arelationship between the first animal 100 and second animal 110.

A more detailed example of determining a relationship between a firstanimal 100 and a second animal 110 will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 5A and 5B. The method described with reference to FIGS. 5A and5B makes reference to the example system described in FIG. 3A.

At step 500, a first communication unit 310 is attached or associatedwith a first animal 100. Generally, relationships are determined for aplurality of animals. Therefore, for example, the female animals in theplurality of animals may be provided with first communication units 100.Also, a second communication unit 320 is attached or associated with asecond animal 110. In regard to the plurality of animals, the remainingportion of animals, for example, may be provided with secondcommunication units 320, for example the males in the plurality ofanimals.

At step 510, the data system 150 (such as the reading device) records anassociation between the identity of the first communication unit 310 andthe first animal 100. Generally, animals have some form of identity,such as a branding or visual tag. The identity of each animal can thenbe recorded with the identity of the communication unit attached orassociated therewith. It will be appreciated that other identities ofthe animal can be used to associate the animal with the communicationunit, as will be discussed in more detail.

At step 520, the data system 150 records an association between theidentity of the second communication 320 and the second animal 110. Thisstep can be performed similarly to step 510.

At step 530, the animals 100, 110 are released to freely graze.

At step 540, the first communication unit 310 attached or associatedwith the first animal 100 attempts to transmit a signal to the secondcommunication unit 320 attached or associated with the second animal110. In this particular example. the signal represents data which is atleast indicative of the identity of the first communication unit 310.

At steps 550 and 560, if the second communication unit 320 is locatedwithin the defined proximity 120 of the first communication unit 310,the second communication unit 320 receives the signal 330 and recordsthe data which is at least indicative of the identity of the firstcommunication unit 310 in the second communication unit's 320 memory.The data recorded by the second communication unit 320 may also beindicative of other measurements, as will be discussed in more detail.

At step 570 and 580, the data recorded in at least some of the secondcommunication units 320 are collected by the data system 150 after aperiod of time. The data collected by the data system 150 is at leastindicative of the identity of the first communication units 310 whichwere recorded within the defined proximity 120 of the secondcommunication unit 320, and the identity of the respective secondcommunication unit 320 which the data is being collected from. Aspreviously stated, the data may also be indicative of othermeasurements.

Optionally, at step 590, if the data collected is not directlyindicative of whether a relationship exists between particular animals,the data processing system 140 performs an analysis of the datacollected to determine whether a relationship exists between particularanimals 100, 110. This can include performing a statistical analysis ofthe data collected.

This analysis may include a probabilistic approach, wherein the data maybe analysed to indicate a frequency of events when a particularcommunication unit was located within the defined proximity. Forexample, the analysis may include generating a table as shown below:

TABLE 1 Distribution of events per identity for second communicationunit ID 1000 IDENTITY NUMBER OF EVENTS 1003 567 1005 20 1007 2

As shown in Table 1, the data generated indicates the frequency ofrecorded events 20 when each first communication unit was positionedwithin the defined proximity of the second communication unit having anidentity of 1000. The frequency of events are indicative of recordingsover a period of time. As can be seen from Table 1, the firstcommunication unit having identity 1003 was located 567 times within thedefined proximity relative to the second communication unit havingidentity 1000. Furthermore, first communication unit having identity1005 was located within the defined proximity 20 times, and the firstcommunication unit having an identity of 1007 was located 2 times withinthe defined proximity.

Alternatively, the table generated may include an amount of time thateach first communication unit 310 was located within the definedproximity 120 of the second communication unit 320.

By analysing the results of the generated table, a percentage of totalevents (or total time if appropriate) indicative of the firstcommunication units 310 being detected within the defined proximity 120can be determined. This is shown by example in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Percentage of total events per identity for second communicationunit ID 1000 PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL IDENTITY EVENTS (or time) 1003 96.3%1005 3.4% 1007 0.3%

At step 600, the method includes determining if a relationship existsbetween any of the animals. As can be seen from Table 2, the firstcommunication unit having identity 1003 has a 96.3% percentage of totalevents compared to 3.4% and 0.3% for the remaining two firstcommunication units respectively. Using a probabilistic approach, it isdetermined that a relationship exists between the animal associated withthe second communication unit 320 having the identity 1000 and theanimal associated with the first communication unit 310 having theidentity 1003.

If the first communication units 310 were associated with cows and thesecond communication units 320 were associated with bulls, step 600would allow determination of a sexual relationship between the cowassociation with the first communication unit 310 having identity 1000,and the bull associated with the second communication unit 320 havingidentity 1003. If an offspring eventuates from the relationship, the cowcan be determined to be the dam and the bull can be determined to be thesire in the relationship.

If the first communication units 310 were associated with cows and thesecond communication units 320 were associated with calves, step 600would allow the determination of a genetic relationship between the cowassociated with the first communication unit 310 having identity 1000,and the calve associated with the second communication unit 320 havingidentity 1003. This process is generally referred to as “mothering up”.

If after performing an analysis of the collected data, the totalpercentages were split relatively evenly between two or morecommunication units, this analysis may indicate that a multiple birthhas occurred, wherein, for example, a set of twin calves may be sucklingfrom the mother. This feature of determining a multiple birth is commonwith sheep and other species. Thus, a relationship may also bedetermined between calves.

At step 610, the method includes recording any determined relationshipsbetween animals and optionally displaying any determined relationships.

Another more detailed example of determining a relationship between afirst animal and a second animal will now be described with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B. The method described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6Bmake reference to the example system described in FIG. 3B.

In particular, step 700 to 730 are performed similarly to steps 500 to530 previously described.

At step 740, when the first communication unit 370 attached orassociated with the first animal 100 enters the defined region 390relative to the reading device 300, the first communication device 370transmits a signal 375 including data which is at least indicative ofthe identity of the first communication unit 370 to the reading device390. This may occur when the first animal 100 is visiting the watertrough throughout the day.

At step 750, when the second communication unit 380 attached orassociated with the second animal 110 enters the region 390 relative tothe reading device 300, the second communication device 320 transmits asignal 385 including data which is at least indicative of the identityof the second communication unit 380 to the reading device 300. Again,this may occur when the first animal is visiting the water troughthroughout the day.

At step 760 and 770, if the reading device 300 receives the signal 385from the second communication unit 380 within a defined temporalproximity 120 (for example 5 seconds) of receiving the signal 375 fromthe first communication unit 370, then an association between therespective communication units 370, 380 is recorded by the readingdevice 300.

At step 780, the method includes checking if the data needs to becollected.

Steps 740 to 780 continue to be performed until the data is collectedfrom the reading device 300 by the processing system at step 790.

At step 800, the data system 130 optionally performs an analysis on therecorded associations to determine any relationships between animals100, 110. Similarly to the method described earlier, a table can begenerated which is indicative of a frequency of recorded associations.Table 3 provides an example of recorded associations collected from thereading device.

ASSOCIATION FREQUENCY 1000 AND 1003 547 1000 AND 1005 20 1000 AND 1007 21005 AND 1007 432

In regard to the animal associated with communication device havingidentity 1000, using a probabilistic analytical approach, it is apparentthat the association between the communication units having identities1000 and 1003 are significantly larger than the association between thecommunication units having identities 1005 and 1007. Thus, arelationship is determined to exist between the animal associated withthe communication unit having identity 1000 and the animal associatedwith the communication unit having identity 1003.

Furthermore, in regard to the animals associated with the communicationunits having identities 1005 and 1007, it is also apparent that thenumber of recorded associations between these comm units is alsosignificantly higher than any other recorded associations which theseidentities are included. Thus, a relationship is determined to existbetween the animal associated with the communication unit havingidentity 1005 and the animal associated with the communication unithaving identity 1007.

At step 810, the method includes recording any determined relationshipsbetween 15 animals and optionally displaying any determinedrelationships.

Another example method of determining a relationship between a firstanimal and a second animal will now be described with reference to FIGS.7A, 7B, 7C and 7D.

In particular, at step 900 the method includes attaching the first 310and second communication units 320 to the first 100 and second animals110 respectively. At step 910, the reading device 300 reads an identityof first communication unit 310. At step 920, the reading device 300reads an identity of a first animal tag 395. At step 930, the readingdevice 300 associates the first animal tag 395 with the firstcommunication unit 310.

At step 940 the reading device 300 reads the identity of the secondcommunication unit 320. At step 950, the reading device 300 reads anidentity of a second animal tag 395. At step 960 the reading device 300associates the second animal tag 395 with the second communication unit320. At step 970, the reading device 300 activates the firstcommunication unit 310 to begin transmission.

At step 980, the first communication unit 310 transmits data. At step990 and 1000, if the second communication unit 320 is within theproximity 120 of the first communication unit 310, the secondcommunication unit 320 receives and stores the transmission of data(first data). At step 1010, the second communication unit 320 optionallygenerates second data using the first data. At step 1020 secondcommunication unit 320 stores the second data. The second data could beindicative of a time which the first data was received, however otheradditional data is also discussed in this document. At step 1030, if thedata is ready to be transferred to the processing system 140, controlpasses to step 1040 wherein an operator operates the reading device 300to generate a read signal 340. If the data is not ready to betransferred, control passes back to step 980.

At step 1050, the second communication unit 320 receives the read signal340 from the reading device. At step 1060, the second communicationdevice 320 transfers 350 data to the reading device 300. At step 1060,if another second communication device 320 needs to be read, controlflows back to step 1040. If another second communication unit 320 doesnot need to be read, the method continues to step 1080 where theoperator operates the reading device 300 to transfer data to theprocessing system 140.

At step 1090, the processing system 140 receives the transferred data.At step 1100, the processing system 140 performs statistical analysisusing the received data. At step 1110, the processing system 140determines a relationship between the first and second animal 100, 110.At step 1120, the processing system 140 displays the determinedrelationship between the first 100 and second animal 110.

At step 1130, the processing system 140 generates sexual data using thedetermined relationship. At step 1140 the processing system 140 displaysgenerated sexual data for the determined relationship. At step 1150, theprocessing system 140 generates genetic data using the determinedrelationship. At step 1160, the processing system 140 displays thegenerated genetic data to the determined relationship.

Variations

Spatial Proximity

The first and second communication units 310, 320 can be configured tobe capable of communication over a limited spatial proximity 120, inorder to determine whether the first animal 100 is positioned within theproximity of the second animal 110.

For example, if the first communication unit 310 attempts to transmit asignal 330 which the second communication unit 320 receives, the secondcommunication unit 320 is determined to be within a defined spatialproximity 120 relative to the first communication unit 310. However, ifthe second communication unit 320 was positioned outside the definedspatial proximity 120, the second communication 320 unit may not receivethe transmission from the first communication unit 310. This interactionof communication units 310, 320 allows for easy detection of a firstanimal 100 being within a defined spatial proximity 120 of a secondanimal 320.

The strength of the signal 300 may be selectively adjusted in order toadjust the defined spatial proximity 120. For example, the size of anantenna of a communication unit 310, 320 and/or power of the signal 330may be adjusted to alter the defined spatial proximity 120. Thus, itwill be appreciated that the range of the proximity 120 may be variedaccordingly. However, other alternatives may also be appreciated by theskilled person for suitably adjusting the spatial proximity 120.

Generally, the spatial proximity 120 is configured to operate over arange of approximately one to two metres for determining a relationshipbetween a first and second animal 100, 110, however, it will beappreciated that other proximity ranges may be achieved using differentcommunication technology.

The spatial proximity 120 can be defined by the capabilities of atransmitting unit being able to transmit the signal 330, for example thepower used to generate the transmission. Additionally, or alternatively,the spatial proximity 120 can be defined by the capabilities of areceiving unit being able to receive the signal, for example an antennasize used to receive the signal.

Optionally, the detection system may utilize magnetic fields and the‘Hall effect’, to determine a spatial proximity 120 between two animals.

In an another form of the system 1, the detection system 130 may includea first communication unit 310 and a second communication unit 320 whichboth transmit signals indicative of the identity of the communicationunits 310, 320 and also receive and record signals representing data ifthey are within the defined proximity 120. In this form of the system 1,the communication units 310, 320 of the detection system 130 operateusing half-duplex or fully duplex communication. The data recorded inboth communication units 310, 320 can be collected by the data systemand compared to each other to ensure accuracy. Thus, this configurationprovides an additional advantage of error detection when results arecorrelated. In this configuration both the first communication unit 310and the second communication unit 320 include a memory to store data.

Temporal Proximity

In relation to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, the reading device 300 mayrecord a time-stamp indicative of when the signals were received fromcommunication units 370, 380 associated with the animals 100, 110. Therecorded time stamps can then be used to determine a relationshipbetween the animals 100, 110.

In operation, when data is received by the reading device 300 from oneof the communication units 370, 380 associated with the animals 100,110, the reading device 300 records a time stamp indicative of the timewhich the data was received by the reading device 300 or transferred bythe communication unit 370, 380 associated with the animal 100, 110. Thetime stamp is associated with the identity of the communication unitwhich transmitted the signal.

The time stamps recorded with the data can be analysed in order todetermine whether a relationship exists between the animals.

For example, Table 3 includes example data recorded by the thirdcommunication device.

TABLE 3 Example data from communications units with associated timestamps IDENTITY TIMESTAMP 1003 1/1/05 @ 09:00:23 1005 1/1/05 @ 09:00:251007 1/1/05 @ 09:01:25 1003 1/1/05 @ 09:02:00 1005 1/1/05 @ 09:02:01

Table 3 shows instances of multiple communication units being locatedwithin the defined region of the reading device. For example, thecommunication unit having identity 1003 was located within the definedregion of the receiving unit at 9:00:23 am on the 1 Jan. 2005.

An analysis can be performed on the time stamps to determine whetheranimals were located within a temporal proximity of each other, andtherefore determining whether a relationship exists between therespective animals. The reading device 300 can be configured to includea maximum proximity limit indicative of a number of seconds, or portionsthereof. In this particular example, the maximum proximity limit is tenseconds.

Comparing the first record of communication device having identity 1003to the second record of communication device having identity 1005, it isapparent that these communication units 1003, 1005 were located withinthe defined region 390 of the reading device 300 within 2 seconds ofeach other. Therefore, in this comparison, the difference betweentimestamps (2 seconds) is within the maximum proximity limit (10seconds), so the animal associated with communication device havingidentity 1003 is considered related to the animal associated withcommunication device having identity 1005.

Comparing the first record of communication device having identity 1003to the third record of communication device having identity 1007, it isapparent that the communication units 1003, 1008 were located withindefined region 390 of the reading device 300 within 60 seconds of eachother. Therefore, in this comparison, the difference between timestamps(60 seconds) is not within the maximum proximity limit (10 seconds), sothe animal associated with communication device 1003 is consideredunrelated to the animal associated with communication device 1007.

As can be seen from the data in Table 3, the time stamps indicating whenthe communication units and animals were located within a communicationregion of the fixed reading device 300 can be used to determinerelationships between the animals.

It will be appreciated from previous examples, the frequency ofparticular animals being located within a relative proximity 120 ofanother animal can also be used in combination with the temporal aspectof the method and system 1 to more accurately determine whetherparticular animals are related.

It will be appreciated that the maximum proximity limit can beselectively configured, particularly depending on the type of animalbeing analysed. For example, a cow may travel at a speed ofapproximately 0.5 metres/second and as such the maximum proximity limitmay be selected to be 10 seconds. However, in contrast a sheep maytravel at a speed of approximately 1 metre/second and as such themaximum proximity limit may be selected to be 5 seconds to take intoconsideration the increased traveling speed of this type of animal. Thereading device 300 or processing system 140 may be configured to providea suggested maximum threshold time period in response to input from theuser indicative of the type of animal which is being monitored.

In another variation, the detection system 130 may include a firstcommunication unit and a second communication unit which receive andrecord data, and a fixed transmitting device for transmitting a signal.Similar to the fixed reading device 300 of the detection system 130described earlier, the fixed transmitting device is located in a fixedlocation in the area within which the animals graze, such as a watertrough. The respective communication units receive the transmittedsignal from the transmitting device when the respective communicationunits are positioned within the defined communicating region of thetransmitting device. In response to receiving the signal, the respectivecommunication unit records a time indicative of the signal beingreceived or being transferred from the transmitting device. The datarecorded in each communication system can then be collected by the datasystem for analysis, wherein the recorded data is used to determinewhether the first and second animals were detected within a temporalproximity of each other within the defined region of the transmittingdevice.

In another variation, the communication units may be replaced by machinereadable coded data, such as a bar code, or the like. The coded data maybe provided on or with the animals such that it can be sensed when theanimal enters the defined region 390. In this particular case, thereading device 300 senses the coded data provided on each animal whenthe animal enters the defined region 390. The time between sensing thecoded data provided with the first animal 100 and sensing the coded dataprovided with the second animal 110 is compared to a maximum temporalproximity, and if the difference is less than the maximum temporalproximity, an association is recorded between the first animal 100 andsecond animal 110.

Combinations of Spatial and Temporal Proximity

A further example of a system and method for determining a relationshipbetween a first animal and a second animal will now be described.

The system may utilize GPS technology. In this form, the communicationunits may be provided with a GPS unit which transmits a time-stampedposition of the animal. The reading device 300 or processing system 140receive the time-stamped position of the communication units and usingthe above methods, relationships between the animals can be determined.It would be apparent that this form of system would utilize acombination of temporal and spatial proximity to determine therelationship between animals as the position of the animals istime-stamped.

In a further form, the system may utilize triangulation. In this form,the system would include three or more beacons placed around or within apaddock which the animals graze within. Each beacon acts as atransceiver which transmit a signal having a unique frequency to thecommunication units attached or associated with the animals within thepaddock. The beacons may be powered by a power source used for theelectric fence. The communication units in response to receiving thesignals, transmit a signal indicative of the identity of the respectivecommunication unit back to the beacons. A processing system may thenanalyse the signal strength of each signal received at each beacon todetermine the position of each communication unit, and thus each animal,at a particular point in time within the paddock. In this particularcase, the communication units may only need to be passive. However,active communication units can also be used.

It will be appreciated that the roles of the beacons and thecommunication units may be swapped, such that the beacons are passivereceivers and the communication units are transmitters.

It will also be appreciated that a reduced number of beacons can be usedif a directional antenna is provided with each communication unit.

Communication Units

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may use varying versions ofcommunication protocols or mediums such as the radio frequency spectrum,Bluetooth, Infra Red, passive or active RFID technology, ultrasonicfrequency technology, SAW technology, acoustic technology, and othercommon wireless communication methods and protocols.

The first and second communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may includea power source (i.e. active communication units, such as active RFIDtags). The power source may be rechargeable. A recharging module may beprovided which operably receives and recharges a plurality communicationunits, for example one hundred communications units, simultaneously. Inan additional or alternate form, the first and second communicationunits 310, 320, 370, 380 may be provided with solar power generator torecharge the rechargeable power source. It is preferred that therecharging module recharges the communication units to operate for abreeding period of particular animals, for example six to eight weeks.

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may optionally be passivedevices, such as passive RFID units, and as such do not require a powersource. The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may be responsive toa read signal 340 generated by the reading device 300 such as totransfer data back to the reading device. When the reading device 300and RFID unit's modulators are positioned in close proximity of oneanother, an inductively coupled tuned circuit is formed. Accordingly, analternating current is passed through the reading device's 300transceiver causing a corresponding current to be induced in the RFIDunit's antenna.

Subsequently, the RFID unit uses the received signal to transmit atransmission of data 390 generally indicative of an identity of the RFIDunit back to the reading device's 300 transceiver. This process mayinclude the RFID unit's modulator being used to modulate the receivedsignal induced in the RFID unit's antenna. This in turn causesbackscatter modulation of the signal, which can be detected by thereading device's 300 transceiver, allowing data to be recorded.

It will be appreciated that an active RFID tag may be used instead or incombination with a passive RFID tag.

It will be appreciated that a combination of passive and active RN-JDunits may be used with the communication units 310, 320, 370, 380. Assuch, a first communication unit 310, 370 may include an active RFIDunit, and a second communication 320, 380 unit may include a passiveRFID unit. When the first and second communication units 310, 320, 370,380 are positioned in close proximity of one another, an inductivelycoupled tuned circuit is formed similarly to the above variation.

As discussed previously, in particular embodiments, the first and secondcommunication units 310, 320 may perform different functionality, suchas in FIG. 3A, wherein the first communication unit 310 may be atransmitter and the second communication unit 320 may receive datatransmissions from the first communication unit 310 and recorded datacan be collected by the processing system 140 via a reading device 300.Thus, as the first 310 and second communication units 320 may includevarying parts to perform varying functionality, the cost ofmanufacturing or providing the first and second communication units 310,320 may also vary. Therefore, a distribution of the first communicationunits and second communication units 310, 320 amongst the first andsecond animals 100, 110 may reduce costs.

For example, a herd of cattle may include 4 sires and 100 dams.Therefore a less expensive communication unit could be attached to thedams and the more expensive communication unit may be attached to thesires, thus reducing the overall cost of implementing the system. Itwill be appreciated however that the distribution of the first andsecond communication units amongst the herd does not affect the overallfunctionality of determining the relationship between a first and secondanimal, but rather serves the purpose of reducing the financial costsinvolved in implementing the system.

Optionally, the first and/or second communication units 310, 320, 370,380 may include a tilt sensor. In applications where a sexualrelationship is required to be determined, the tilt sensor in thecommunication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 may provide additional informationregarding when a sire mounted a dam to successfully conceive theoffspring, and thus determining a date of birth for the respectiveoffspring. The tilt sensor can be configured to record a time stamp ofsuch an event occurring.

Optionally, the communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may be configuredto transmit during specific timeframes. During periods when animals tendto sleep, a significant number of transmissions may be recorded due tothe animals herded together. As such, the communication units 310, 320,370, 380 may be configured to stop transmitting data between certaintimeframes such as to provide more accurate data for determining arelationship between animals.

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may also be attached to orassociated with the first animal 110 while the communication units arenot transmitting. This option allows the elimination of unnecessaryreadings while animals are being handled in close proximity to eachother. As such, after a period of time, the communication units 310,320, 370, 380 may begin transmitting data. This may be initiatedremotely, or the communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may bepre-configured to begin transmitting data. Alternatively, the readingdevice 300 may be used to generate an activation signal which thecommunication unit's 310, 320, 370, 380 processor is responsive to causethe communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 to begin transmitting data.

In another optional embodiment, the data transmitted by thecommunications units 310, 320, 370, 380 can be indicative of a directionor orientation of the communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380. Thedirection and/or orientation may be two or three dimensional. Thedirection of or orientation may be used with spatial and/or temporalproximity data to determine whether two animals were merely crossingpaths and were therefore unrelated. Furthermore, the direction of travelcan be used to determine social relationships between particularanimals. For example, leader animals are generally located at aparticular direction and/or orientation compared to other animals. Byutilising the direction and/or orientation of the animal, a socialrelationship can also be determined between animals. The directionand/or orientation can also be used for determining a sexualrelationship or genetic relationship between two animals. For example,the orientation of a first animal and second animal may be substantiallyaligned to indicate a sexual relationship between the animals.

A further optional embodiment includes the communication units 310, 320,370, 380 utilising acoustic technology. The communication unit 310, 320,370, 380 may be provided with a converter module which receives awireless signal, such as a radio signal, from either anothercommunication unit or a reading device 300 and converts the signal to anacoustic signal. The communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 is providedwith a set of wave reflectors which produce, in response to the acousticsignal, uniquely encoded acoustic wave pulses which are at leastpartially indicative of the unique identity of the communication unit.The converter module senses and converts these unique pulses into anencoded signal at least partially indicative of the identity of thecommunication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 which is then transferred back tothe source of the signal.

In another optional embodiment, the communication units 310, 320, 370,380 may be selectively configured to only operate for a period of time.This ensures that if the communication unit is stolen, the communicationunit 310, 320, 370, 380 is useless once the period of time has lapsed.

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 and reading/transmittingdevices preferably conform to international electro-magnetic radiationsstandards. The communication units, and reading/transmitting devices arepreferably packaged to conform to accredited IP67 standard. Furthermore,the communication units are preferably IP67 drop and weather resistantcompliant.

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 can optionally be providedwith UV resistant housing.

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may be provided with aninternal clock to store a time such as a time stamp.

The communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 may optionally be providedwith encryption modules and or decryption modules to encrypt and/ordecrypt data transferred and/or received.

In another variation, the communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 mayutilise triangulation processes wherein signal strength is measured bynearby communication units to determine a relative position. Forexample, a first communication unit transmits a signal. Communicationunits within range receive and measure the strength of the receivedsignal. The strength measurement by a number of communication units canthen be used to determine a relative position of the transmittingcommunication unit. As can be seen the signal strength can be used todetermine a relative position of a communication unit to one or moreother communication units. The relative position can be additional datawhich can be used to determine whether a relationship exists betweenparticular animals.

One or more of the communication units can be configured to periodicallytransmit a signal. Alternatively, the reading device may be configuredto periodically transmit a signal. The period between transmissions maybe selectively configured.

The communication units can include volatile (Random Access Memory) andnonvolatile memory (ROM, EEPROM). The communication units may alsoinclude removable memory modules such as to alter size of the memory ofthe communication units.

In another optional embodiment, one or more communication units may beintegral with the processing system. In this embodiment, the data storedreceived in communication unit may be analysed by the communicationunit, thus avoiding the transferral of the data to an external or remoteprocessing system.

Reading Device

The reading device 300 may be a hand-held device, or alternatively, thereading device 300 may be a fixed device. The reading device 300 may beutilised as part of the detection system 130 (as apparent in temporalproximity embodiments). Alternatively, the reading device 300 may beutilised as part of the data system 150 for collection data (as apparentin the spatial proximity embodiments). The reading device 300 canutilise a wireless communication medium in order to receive data fromthe communication units, and/or transmit data to the communicationunits.

The reading device 300 may include a transceiver for generating andtransferring a read signal 340 to the communication units, and forreceiving transferred data 350 from the communication units. The readingdevice 300 also includes a memory store for storing the received data,and a processor to control the transceiver and memory store.Additionally, the processor may be configured to encode the receiveddata using an encryption algorithm, such that the data may only beanalysed by specific software programs which include a complementarydecryption system.

Optionally, the reading device 300 may include a modulator if thepassive communication units are used.

The reading device 300 is generally configured to transfer the receiveddata from the communication units to a processing system 140 foranalysis such that a relationship may be determined. The reading device300 may transfer the data 360 using a wireless communication medium asearlier discussed, however this is not essential, and as such a physicalmedium such as a RS232/485 communication medium between the readingdevice 300 and the processing system 140 may be utilised. It will beappreciated that other forms of physical medium transfer may also beused. Optionally, the reading device 300 may include a removable storagemedium (such as a USB key or smart card) that may be adapted to be readby the processing system 140.

The reading device 300 can be provided with an output device, forexample a display, such that recorded data can be displayed and viewed.The reading device 300 may 5 also provided with an input device, forexample a keyboard.

The reading device 300 is generally provided with a long life batterysupply, such as a Lithium Ion Long Life rechargeable battery. As such,the reading device may be rechargeable. A cooperating recharging cradlecan be provided which is operably receivable with the reading device torecharge the power source of the reading device.

The memory of the reading device 300 generally includes volatile and/ornonvolatile memory. Furthermore, portions of the memory can be removableand/or nonremovable to adjust the size of the memory of the readingdevice.

Processing System

The processing system 140 of the data system 150 may optionally beprovided as a remote processing system, wherein a network address, suchas a Internet web-site, is used to transfer the data to the processingsystem for analysis. When the analysis has been performed, anotification is provided to the source of the received data (such as afarming entity) indicating that the results of the analysis are readyfor collection. The collection of results of the analysis can beperformed electronically. The processing system 140 may be configured togenerate an invoice for performing the analysis, wherein the invoice isprovided to the farming entity which is using the communication units.The results of the analysis can be collected by the farming entity aftera payment of the invoice.

When the processing system 140 decrypts the encoded data received fromthe reading device 300, the data is analysed and the results of theanalysis can be provided in file formats of common on-farm informationpackages such as Woolpak, Stockbook, BreedObject, PAM and industryinformation supplier systems such as Breedplan and SGA, and otherstandard file formats such as Microsoft Excel or Access.

Optionally, the processing system 140 may be configured to transfer datato the reading device 300. This may be appropriate if a farming entitywishes to have access to information from the processing system whilston the farm.

Optionally, additional data may be used by the processing system 140 toassist in determining whether a sexual relationship exists betweenparticular animals. For example, if data received from the acommunication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 indicates a measured tilt beyondan angular threshold at a particular time when another communicationunit was located within the defined proximity 120, this additional datacan provide a further indication that the determined cow and bull wereinvolved in sexual intercourse, and therefore a sexual relationshipexists between the particular animals which may result in an offspring.It is perceived that the additional data could be used to determineother relationships such as social relationships between particularanimals.

If a sexual relationship is determined, the method and system mayinclude generating sexual data using the determined sexual relationship.This may include using received data from one or more communicationunits and/or past received data and results to determine at least one of

whether the sire is performing at optimum;

which sire was successful in mating whether the dam is conceivingeasily;

the date of conceiving;

how many offspring has the dam conceived;

the success rate of the dam successfully giving birth to the offspring.

Additionally or alternatively, if a genetic relationship has beendetermined, the data system may generate genetic data for the determinedgenetic relationship. This may include using received data from one ormore communication units or past received data and results to determineat least one of:

the date of birth of the offspring;

the dam of the offspring;

the sire of the offspring;

the birth type (ie. single offspring, twins, triplets etc.)

how many offspring does the dam mother at the moment.

It will be appreciated that particular datum of the genetic or sexualdata may be determined at different stages or time periods. For example,a particular dam and offspring may have been determined to have agenetic relationship at a first period of time, and the same dam and asire may have been determined to have a sexual relationship at aseparate second time period. Thus, when the data for these twodetermined relationships are correlated, a genetic relationship betweenthe sire and the offspring may be determined.

The data system 150 may additionally be used to record additionalinformation associated with the generated genetic data. This may includeat least one of:

measurement of the individual trait(s) of the offspring;

comparable measurements of siblings and half-siblings if such exist; and

measurement of individual traits of sires and dams

The data system 150 may use the genetic data and the additionalinformation to generate an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for therespective offspring and parents. The EVB can then be used to assess howvaluable a particular offspring or sire or dam is, such as a monetaryvalue. Alternatively, the data system may transfer the geneticdata/sexual data and additional information to a Estimated BreedingValue service provider to determine the Estimated Breeding Value of theanimals.

Optionally, the processing system 140 can generate, using the receiveddata, breeding data related to the dam, wherein the breeding datarelated to the dam is indicative of at least one of the fertility and/orfecundity of the dam; the fertility and/or fecundity of the sire; anumber of offspring the dam has given birth to; and whether the dam cansuccessfully raise multiple offspring;

Optionally, the processing system 140 can generate, using the receiveddata, breeding data related to the sire, wherein the breeding datarelated to the sire is indicative of: the fertility/fecundity of thesire; timing of mating; expected date of birth correct dam mated bysire; various Estimated Breeding Values for dams and sires.

Optionally, the genetic and sexual data may be displayed on otherprocessing systems 140 used by other users in order to assess the valueof the respective animal.

Other Variations

In order to easily associate a transmitter identity or a transceiveridentity with a particular animal, the animal may additionally includean animal tag 395 including a unique identity, as shown by example inFIG. 3C. In this example, an animal, in this case a cow, includes ananimal tag 395 which for example is attached to the ear of the animal.The tag 395 includes a unique identity to identify the respectiveanimal. The reading device 300 may be used to record the unique identityof the tag 395 and associate the tag identity with the identity of thecommunication unit associated with the animal. In one embodiment, thereading device 300 may generate a read signal 396 which the tag isresponsive to in order to transfer 397 the tag identity back to thereading device 300. An active or passive animal tag may be used toidentify the animal.

In an optional embodiment, the communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 andanimal tag 380 may form a single integral device.

In another optional embodiment, direct communication between thecommunication units 310, 320, 370, 380 and the processing system 140 maybe accomplished, thus removing the requirement of a reading device 300.However, for ease of use in the livestock industry, a reading device 300can be provided to allow easy collection of data from a number ofanimals.

As previously discussed, each communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 maybe attached to or associated with each animal. This attachment may beperformed by coupling the communication unit with a harness 365 which isplaced around the neck or appendage of a respective animal. The harness365 may be expandable (for example elasticised) such that as aparticular animal grows, the harness 365 may be adjusted or adjustautomatically to compensate for the increase in size of the animal.Additionally, the harness 365 is removable if the harness 365 becomescaught on a fence or the like. Different sized harnesses 365 may also beprovided for different types of animals, or different developmentalstages of animals.

In one form, the harness 365 may operate using a hook and loop couplingmeans allowing for secure attachment to the animal. Additionally, thehook and loop coupling means allows the communication unit 310, 320,370, 380 and harness 365 to be pulled off by the animal if it becomessnagged, therefore reducing the likelihood of choking the animal. Thecommunication units 310, 320, 370, 380 are generally provided with abrightly coloured or fluorescent casing such that a farmer or the likecan easily find a detached harness 365 and communication unit 310, 320,370, 380 in the paddock.

In an alternative form, each communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380 maybe attached to the animal in the form of a tag. For example, the tag maybe coupled to a hole in the ear of the animal if this appropriate.

It will be appreciated that the communication unit 310, 320, 370, 380may be associated with the animal using implanting techniques, whereinthe communication unit is implanted into the animal and resides in theanimal for a period of time. If appropriate, the communication unit maybe swallowed by the animal, and thus associated therewith.

In another optional embodiment, a supplier entity may provide aplurality of communication units 310, 320, 370, 380, reading devices300, harnesses 365, and/or chargers to a farming entity or the like. Thesupplier entity configures the communication units 310, 320, 370, 380 tobe associated with the farming entity (such as a farming identity). Thismay be performed using the reading device 300. The reading device 300can also be configured to be associated with the farming entity.

It will be appreciated that the above described method and system 1 maybe used for determining relationships between cattle, sheep, goats,pigs, deer, native animals, wild animals, fish, birds, alpacas and anyother species of livestock, grazing animals, and domesticated animals.

Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said tobroadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to orindicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or allcombinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, andwherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth. Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes, substitutions, andalterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. A method of determining one or more relationships between animalsfrom a group of animals, each animal in the group having a communicationdevice to identify the respective animal, wherein the method includes:generating event data indicative of a plurality of detected events thatanimals are within a defined proximity of each other over a period oftime, wherein each detected event indicates that the communicationdevices of respective animals were within the defined proximity; andanalysing, using the event data, a distribution of frequencies of thedetected events for said animals to thereby determine if a relationshipexists between said animals.
 2. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe defined proximity includes at least one of: a spatial proximity at apoint in time; and, a temporal proximity at a location.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the method includes determining at leastone of: a genetic relationship between the animals; a sexualrelationship between the animals; and a social relationship between theanimals.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method includesanalysing the event data which is indicative of communication betweenthe communication units that were within the defined proximity.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1, each communication unit includes acommunication unit identity and each animal has an animal identity, theevent data being indicative of the communication unit identity of eachcommunication unit which was within the defined proximity, wherein themethod includes: recording association data indicative of an associationbetween the animal identity and the communication identity of eachanimal in the group; determining, using the event data and theassociation data, the identities of the detected animals; and displayingthe identities of the animals of the relationship.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the method includes: recording the eventdata being indicative of a tilt of one of the communication units; andusing the event data indicative of the tilt to determine a sexualrelationship for the animals.
 7. The method according claim 1, whereinthe step of analysing the frequency of events for the plurality ofanimal combinations includes comparing a distribution of the frequencyof events between combinations of animals, wherein a relatively greaterfrequency of events for a particular animal combination compared toanother animal combination indicates the relationship for the particularanimal combination.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein themethod includes: determining if two animal combinations which share acommon animal between the two animal combination have a relativelygreater distribution of events than other animal combinations, whereinthe two animal combinations have a substantially equal distribution ofevents; and identifying that the animals of the two animal combinationsare related.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the methodincludes configuring the communication units to communicate during aselected period of time such that events are detected during theselected period of time.
 10. A system for determining one or morerelationships between animals from a group of animals, wherein thesystem includes: a detection system for generating event data indicativeof a plurality of detected events that animals are within a definedproximity of each other over a period of time, the detection systemincluding a plurality of communication units, each communication unitbeing associated with one of the animals in the group, wherein eachdetected event indicates that communication devices of respectiveanimals were within the defined proximity; and an analysis means foranalysing, using the event data, a distribution of frequencies of thedetected events for said animals to thereby determine if a relationshipexists for said animals.
 11. The system according to claim 10, whereinthe proximity includes at least one of: a spatial proximity at a pointin time; and, a temporal proximity at a location.
 12. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the analysis means is configured todetermine at least one of: a genetic relationship between said animals.a sexual relationship between said animals; and a social relationshipbetween said animals.
 13. The system according to claim 10, wherein eachcommunication unit includes a communication unit identity and eachanimal has an animal identity, the event data being indicative thecommunication unit identity of each communication unit which was withinthe defined proximity, wherein the system includes: a record ofassociation data indicative of an association between the animalidentity and the communication identity of each animal in the group; theanalysis means configured to determine, using the event data and therecord of association data, the identities of the detected animals; anda display means to display the identities of the animals of therelationship.
 14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the systemincludes: at least one of the communication units including a tiltsensor, wherein the event data is indicative of a tilting event.
 15. Thesystem according to claim 14, wherein the analysis means is configuredto use the event data indicative of the tilting event to determine asexual relationship for said animals.
 16. The system according to claim10, wherein the communication units communicate using a wirelesscommunication medium.
 17. The system according to claim 10, wherein thedetection system is configured to generate the event data beingindicative of a direction and/or orientation of the animals within thedefined proximity, wherein the analysis means is configured fordetermining, using the event data indicative of the direction and/ororientation, at least one of: a social relationship between the animals;a sexual relationship between the animals; and a genetic relationshipbetween the animals.
 18. The system according to claim 10, wherein atleast one of the communication units is configured to operate after afirst selected period of time or in response to an activation signal,and wherein at least one of the communication units is configured tooperate during a second selected period of time.
 19. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein analysis means is configured to compare adistribution of the frequency of events between combinations of animals,wherein a relatively greater frequency of events for a particular animalcombination compared to another animal combination indicates therelationship for the particular animal combination.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 19, wherein the analysis means is configured to:determine if two animal combinations which share a common animal betweenthe two animal combination have a relatively greater distribution ofevents than other animal combinations, wherein the two animalcombinations have a substantially equal distribution of events; andidentify that the animals of the two animal combinations are related.